Since the Wilby High boys basketball team played in the Naugatuck Valley League championship game Feb. 27, it hasn’t taken a day off in preparation for the state tournament.

So when the Wildcats’ Class L second-round game with Water¬town was postponed for the sec-ond straight day Friday because of snow, Wilby coach Alan Picco¬lo didn’t fret.

“This time of the year, maybe a day off is not too bad for the kids to rest and calm down a little bit,” noted Piccolo.

Fifth-seeded Wilby will host No. 12 Wa¬tertown today at 3 p.m. The winner will need to play again Monday in the quarterfi¬nals against No. 4 Wilbur Cross of New Haven. The Governors were able to get their game in Thursday, topping Branford, 51-44.

“When we practiced (Thurs¬day), the kids were very focused and ready to go,” said Piccolo. “It’s kind of disappointing to not be able to get the game in. I called all of the kids and told them to stay hydrated, eat right and to get enough rest.” Asked if any of his players were headed to the YMCA or Boys and Girls Club for a shootaround, Piccolo said, “I’m sure that if there is an open gym, they will find it.”

That’s exactly what Wilby leading scorer Walter Wright was planning to do late in the day Friday. He and his brother, Taifa, and Denzel Mitchell were all focusing on sharpening their game.

“(The delay) is pretty tough because it’s such a big game and we’re anxious to play,” said Wright.

The last time the two teams played in the NVL Tournament semifinals, Wilby rallied from a 16-point second- half deficit to win by three.

Watertown coach Ed Sakl III expects his players to be ready. This will be the Indians’ fourth game this season at Wilby’s gym. Two fo the games were in the NVL Tournament. “We’re very familiar with the setting,” said Sakl, who downplayed the idle time. “This isn’t a time of year for mental lapses. The kids all know that every game could be our last. That’s the mentality that we need to have. They will need to go as hard as they can for a full 32 minutes.”

Woodland coach Tom Hunt has instructed his team to report to the Hawks’ gym in Beacon Falls at least two hours before today’s 3 p.m. tipoff vs. Weaver in the Class S tournament.

“Having the home court definitely has its advantages in tournament time,” said Hunt.

On Thursday, schools were given the option of trying to get the game in.

But that wasn’t the case Friday as the CIAC issued a directive in the morning postponing all events in boys and girls basketball, ice hockey and diving. The state was blanketed by snow, which prompted the closing of schools.

At Thomaston, girls coach Bob McMahon took the two-day delay in stride.

No. 3 Thomaston (22-2) will meet No. 10 East Windsor (16-7) tonight at 6 at New Britain High in the Class S semifinals. The game was originally slated for Plainville High.

“The weather is totally out of our control, and it’s not something to get wound up about,” said McMahon.

That’s what he will tell his team, which is vying for a berth in next weekend’s Class S state final. In the other semifinal, No. 1 Capital Prep and No. 4 Morgan will play at 4 p.m., also at New Britain.

“I want to play and I would imagine (the girls) want to play,” added McMahon. “I definitely think we are ready and that’s what makes these games fun.”

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